Japan marks tsunami anniversary

•March 11, 2013

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A woman lights candles during an event for the victims of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami at a park in Tokyo, Monday, March 11, 2013. Japan marked the second anniversary on Monday of a devastating earthquake and tsunami that left nearly 19,000 people dead or missing. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)

Japan observed a moment of silence on March 11 to remember the nearly 19,000 people who died in the massive earthquake and tsunami that struck two years ago. At a memorial service attended by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, attendees stood in silence at 2:46 p.m., the precise moment the 9.0-magnitude quake struck off northern Japan. The earthquake was the strongest recorded in Japan's history and unleashed a towering wave that wiped out entire communities. (AP)